The Acting State Coordinator, National Environmental Standards and Regulations Enforcement Agency, Kwara State, Alhaja Bintu Mohammed, has said that indiscriminate dumping of wastes on the road is seriously hampering free movement and was causing accidents.

She lamented that many people had died and property worth millions of naira lost owing to accidents attributable to drivers’ loss of control as they tried to meander their way on some roads that had been half-covered by wastes.

She said NESREA frowned at the habit of indiscriminate and unauthorised dumping of refuse, warning that culprits would be severely punished in accordance with the law.

Mohammed spoke with our correspondent during the World Environmental Day organised by the agency in Ilorin on Monday.

She said, “It is sad, from the information that we get, that some of the accidents are caused by people who dump refuse on the roads, thereby narrowing the roads, making it difficult for drivers, especially of long vehicles, to easily move. We have lost many people and goods worth millions of naira to these types of accidents.

“We have been talking to them and we have been receiving complaints and we have been trying our best. In Kwara State, the government has provided waste management bins but people are still dumping on the roads. They should comply with waste management regulations and stop blocking the roads. Indiscriminate dumping of refuse also causes flooding.

She stated that the World Environmental Day was set aside by the United Nations to celebrate environment; to sensitise people and stimulate awareness on environment issues.

According to her, this year’s theme is “Our planet, our environment, our responsibility.”

The state’s NESREA used the occasion to demonstrate tree planting exercise at St. Anthony Secondary School, Ilorin and shared seedlings to the students and members of staff to plant.

NESREA also proceeded with a road show to major city centres in Ilorin to sensitise the people on the need to be environmentally-friendly.

Mohammed called on Nigerians to be more environmentally sensitive, avoid flooding and deforestation, stressing that flooding was negatively affecting transportation in the country.

She said, “I want Nigerians to be conscious of their environment; they should voluntarily comply with environmental laws and protection regulations set by the government for their own good.

“Government has done it best as regards deforestation and erosion. Government has put machinery in place. The only thing remaining is for individuals to take action such as planting of trees, not felling trees. If you must cut a tree, then plant 10 in place of one. “

She also said, “We will continue to alert people to vacate erosion-prone areas for their safety. Erosion problem is a big menace to Nigerians. We are doing all our best and the Federal Government is doing its best to ensure that such a problem is taking care of. Some of the erosions are natural while some are man-made. Erosion is affecting transportation. Efforts should be intensify so as to tackle it to have free transportation.

“The World Environment Day was initiated by the United Nations conference on human environment in 1972. The day is set aside to stimulate awareness on various environment issues to enhance political attention and public action. As a yearly event, it is held on June 5.”